Actinidia Arguta Research Articles

Overexpression of the Kiwifruit Transcription Factor AaMYB44 Decreases the Cold Tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana

Cold stress is one of the main abiotic stresses that affect the development and growth of kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta). Herein, we analyzed the transcriptomic data of A. arguta dormant shoots in response to low-temperature treatment, identified 52 MYB genes, and constructed a phylogenetic tree based on the encoded protein sequences. Then, the effect of one MYB gene on cold tolerance was analyzed. This gene had an open reading frame of 837 bp long and encoded 279 amino acids. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis revealed that this gene belongs to the R2R3-MYB family and was named AaMYB44 based on its homology to other MYB family members. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that AaMYB44 expression was significantly induced by low temperatures but exhibited the opposite trend in cold-tolerant genotypes. Subcellular localization assays revealed the nuclear localization of the AaMYB44 protein. Furthermore, AaMYB44 was transformed into Arabidopsis thaliana (A. thaliana) via inflorescence infection, and physiological and biochemical tests revealed that the cold resistance and antioxidant capacity of the transgenic A. thaliana were lower than those of wild-type plants. Overall, AaMYB44 might play a negative regulatory role in response to cold stress, providing new insight into the mechanism of cold tolerance.

Antibacterial action of novel zeolite-based compositions depends upon doping with Ag(+) and Сu(2+) cations

Recently, there is a growing interest to exploration of sorption and catalytic properties of solid nanomaterials, in particular natural zeolites, as well as to study of their antimicrobial effects with the aim of potential using them as a principal component of disinfection and degassing remedies. The purpose of this work was to study the antimicrobial action of compositions based on the Transcarpathian clinoptilolite (CL) doped with Ag+ and Сu2+ cations or Ag microparticles (MPs). These compositions were subjected to mechanochemical modification in ethanol medium and with the addition of plant (Actinidia arguta) extract used as an antioxidant. Mechanochemical treatment (MChT) of all forms of CL MPs led to their grinding which caused better contact of CL with bacterial cells, while an increased content of larger pores improved their access to the active sites on the surface of the CL MPs. Treatment of CL samples with metallic silver used as a dopant with the help of the extract of Actinidia arguta plant did not increase the antibacterial activity regardless of treatment time. Treatment of AgNO3 with ethanol slightly increased the antibacterial action of the CL MPs towards Gram-positive bacteria and decreased it towards Gram-negative bacteria. The CL samples doped with copper and treated with ethanol and plant (Actinidia arguta) extract demonstrated comparable toxic action towards Bacillus subtilis regardless of grinding conditions. While such a treatment caused a significant decrease in the antibacterial activity towards Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, compared to the action of samples that were not treated with that plant extract. To address the potential biochemical mechanisms of the antibacterial action of the created zeolite-based compositions, their influence on generation of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) was studied using diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPH) fluorescent dye. Most versions of the CL composites demonstrated time-dependent antioxidant effect comparable with the effect of the ascorbic acid used as a positive control. Thus, the ROS generation is not the mechanism that is responsible for the antibacterial action of the created CL-based compositions. Probably, that action is explained by the peculiarities of interaction of doped CL microparticles with the surface of the bacterial cells. Keywords: antimicrobial action, clinoptilolite-based compositions, doping with Ag+ and Сu2+ cations, physicochemical treatment

Combining Physiology and Transcriptome Data Screening for Key Genes in Actinidia arguta Response to Waterlogging Stress

Actinidia arguta is a cold-resistant fruit tree but intolerant to waterlogging. Waterlogging stress is the major abiotic stress in A. arguta growth, and several pathways are involved in the response mechanisms. Fifteen physiological indices and transcriptome data of two A. arguta cultivars, which showed two forms under waterlogging, were used to identify the major factor following the leaf senescence in waterlogging. Through principal component analysis (PCA) of 15 physiological indices in ‘Kuilv’ and ‘Lvwang’, the hormone contents were selected as the most important principal component (PCA 2) out of four components in response to waterlogging stress. According to the analysis of transcriptome data, 21,750 differentially expressed genes were identified and 10 genes through WGCNA, including hormone metabolism and sucrose metabolism, were screened out on the 6th day of waterlogging. In particular, the ABA signal transduction pathway was found to be closely related to the response to waterlogging based on the correlation analysis between gene expression level and plant hormone content, which may have regulated physiological indicators and morphological changes together with other hormones. Overall, the phenomenon of leaves falling induced by ABA might be a protective mechanism. The results provided more insights into the response mechanism of coping with waterlogging stress in A. arguta.

Identification and Characterization of Innate Immunity in Actinidia melanandra in Response to Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae.

Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae biovar 3 (Psa3) has decimated kiwifruit orchards growing susceptible kiwifruit Actinidia chinensis varieties. Effector loss has occurred recently in Psa3 isolates from resistant kiwifruit germplasm, resulting in strains capable of partially overcoming resistance present in kiwiberry vines (Actinidia arguta, Actinidia polygama, and Actinidia melanandra). Diploid male A. melanandra recognises several effectors, sharing recognition of at least one avirulence effector (HopAW1a) with previously studied tetraploid kiwiberry vines. Sequencing and assembly of the A. melanandra genome enabled the characterisation of the transcriptomic response of this non-host to wild-type and genetic mutants of Psa3. A. melanandra appears to mount a classic effector-triggered immunity (ETI) response to wildtype Psa3 V-13, as expected. Surprisingly, the type III secretion (T3SS) system-lacking Psa3 V-13 ∆hrcC strain did not appear to trigger pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) despite lacking the ability to deliver immunity-suppressing effectors. Contrasting the A. melanandra responses to an effectorless Psa3 V-13 ∆33E strain and to Psa3 V-13 ∆hrcC suggested that PTI triggered by Psa3 V-13 was based on the recognition of the T3SS itself. The characterisation of both ETI and PTI branches of innate immunity responses within A. melanandra further enables breeding for durable resistance in future kiwifruit cultivars.

Preserving refrigeration and shelf life quality of hardy kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta) with alginate oligosaccharides preharvest application.

Alginate oligosaccharide (AOS) is a bioactive carbohydrate known for its preservation properties. However, the efficacy of preharvest AOS treatment in maintaining the postharvest quality of hardy kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta) has not been previously reported. This study explores the effects of preharvest AOS treatment (80mg L-1) on A. arguta fruit, assessing visual quality, physiological attributes, aroma, and antioxidant capacity during refrigeration and shelf life. Results showed that AOS treatment maintained higher lightness, chroma, firmness, and antioxidant levels (total phenolics, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, and glutathione), along with antioxidant enzyme activities (peroxidase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase). Specifically, AOS-treated fruit had 9% higher chroma and double the firmness after 60 days of refrigeration. AOS treatment reduced ripening and senescence, with 25% lower soluble solids content, 22% lower respiration rate, 30% lower ethylene production, and 35% lower malondialdehyde content. Electronic nose analysis indicated that AOS treatment suppressed changes in fruit aroma and off-odor development, maintaining significantly higher quality during the shelf life period. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of AOS as a sustainable method to extend shelf life and preserve the quality of A. arguta fruit, enhancing its market value and consumer appeal. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The research on using alginate oligosaccharides (AOS) for preharvest treatment of hardy kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta) has practical applications in the food industry. By extending the shelf life and preserving the quality of the fruit during storage, this method can help reduce postharvest losses and improve the market value and consumer appeal of A. arguta fruit. This sustainable preservation technique offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional methods, enhancing the freshness and nutritional quality of the fruit available to consumers.

Screening of fermentation resources of Actinidia arguta wine based on principal component analysis combined with a fuzzy mathematical sensory evaluation method

Screening of fermentation resources of Actinidia arguta wine based on principal component analysis combined with a fuzzy mathematical sensory evaluation method

Evolving Archetypes: Learning from Pathogen Emergence on a Nonmodel Host.

Research initiatives undertaken in response to disease outbreaks accelerate our understanding of microbial evolution, mechanisms of virulence and resistance, and plant-pathogen coevolutionary interactions. The emergence and global spread of Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) on kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) showed that there are parallel paths to host adaptation and antimicrobial resistance evolution, accelerated by the movement of mobile elements. Significant progress has been made in identifying type 3 effectors required for virulence and recognition in A. chinensis and Actinidia arguta, broadening our understanding of how host-mediated selection shapes virulence. The rapid development of Actinidia genomics after the Psa3 pandemic began has also generated new insight into molecular mechanisms of immunity and resistance gene evolution in this recently domesticated, nonmodel host. These findings include the presence of close homologs of known resistance genes RPM1 and RPS2 as well as the novel expansion of CCG10-NLRs (nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeats) in Actinidia spp. The advances and approaches developed during the pandemic response can be applied to new pathosystems and new outbreak events.

A combined treatment with Ursolic acid and Solasodine inhibits colorectal cancer progression through the AKT1/ERK1/2-GSK-3β-β-catenin axis

BackgroundConventional chemotherapy medications are inadequate for managing the primary or acquired drug resistance, high toxicity, and adverse effects of colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment. Ursolic acid (UA) and Solasodine (Sol) are natural compounds found in a wide variety of traditional medicinal plants, as well as in many fruits and vegetables, such as Actinidia arguta (Sieb. & Zucc) Planch and Solanum nigrum L.. These compounds exhibit significant anti-tumor activity. Recent investigations have demonstrated that a combination strategy using natural products exhibits greater potential in CRC treatment compared to a single-drug strategy. PurposeThis study aimed to elucidate the potential of UA-Sol synergy against CRC and to investigate the mechanism of action involved in inducing apoptosis and inhibiting metastasis through the AKT1/ERK1/2-GSK-3β-β-catenin axis. MethodsThe optimal ratio of UA-Sol and its synergistic effects were explored using an MTT assay combined with the technique of Chou Talalay. The effects of UA-Sol on the apoptosis, autophagy, and metastasis of CRC cells were assessed using Annexin V-FITC/PI, TUNEL, Immunofluorescence, Wound healing, Transwell migration, and western blotting. The core mechanism of action of UA-Sol against CRC was investigated employing network pharmacology prediction combined with CETSA and plasmid transfection. Finally, in vivo validation was conducted using mouse xenograft tumor and lung metastasis models. ResultsThe combination of UA and Sol synergistically inhibited CRC cell viability at a molar ratio of 6:24. UA-Sol induced the expression of pro-apoptotic and autophagy genes such as Bax/Bcl-2 and LC3, ultimately leading to apoptosis and autophagy in CRC cells in vitro. In addition, this combination inhibited MMP-9 and promoted the expression of the adhesion protein E-cadherin, thereby inhibiting CRC cell metastasis. Mechanistically, UA-Sol regulated the expression of a downstream protein GSK-3β by targeting AKT1 and ERK1/2 inhibition. This induced a cross-talk between the MAPK cascade pathway and the PI3K/AKT pathway, thereby inhibiting the nuclear translocation of β-catenin and participating in the regulation of CRC cell processes. ConclusionUA-Sol inhibited the AKT1/ERK1/2-GSK-3β-β-catenin axis to induce apoptosis, autophagy and anti-metastasis by targeting AKT1 and ERK1/2 inhibition. This dual-target drug combination strategy provides promising insights into the development of novel, safe, and efficient drugs for the treatment of CRC.

Physicochemical Properties and Antioxidant Activities of Ssammoo added with Natural Food Colorants

In this study, the color of ssammoo was to created in an addition of gardenia powder(GPR), citron powder(CPR), strawberry powder(SPR), and actinidia arguta powder(APR), respectivery. Ssammoo was collected on the 0<sup>th</sup>, 3<sup>rd</sup>, 7<sup>th</sup>, and 14<sup>th</sup> days of stored at 5℃. The pH of the control group and ssammoo with the actinidia arguta powder was significantly lowered over time(<i>p</i><.001). The acidity was significantly decreased in the case of ssammoo with actinidia arguta powder(<i>p</i><.05). The sugar content of all ssammoos increased due to osmotic pressure as the ripening period increased. The L value was the highest in the control group and increased over time(<i>p</i><.001). The a and b value were the highest in ssammoo with gardenia powder(<i>p</i><.001). The ΔE increased until the 7th day of storage and then decreased, suggesting that there would be a change in color value of all ssammoos after the 7<sup>th</sup> day of storage. The total phenol content and DPPH radical scavenging activity was highest in ssammoo with gardenia powder. The ABTS radical scavenging activity was highest in ssammoo with strawberry powder. This study intended to contribute to increasing the intake of vegetables and fruits with high dietary fiber content by developing colored salted and pickled foods.

A shelf life prediction model of Actinidia arguta ‘Chang Jiang No.1’ based on postharvest quality evaluation combined with fuzzy mathematics

Actinidia arguta has good taste and nutritional value. It is a climacteric fruit that is not durable during storage and has a short shelf life. To investigate the effects of storage and transportation on the quality of the early maturing variety Chang Jiang No. 1 (CJ No. 1), shelf life models were developed applicable at different temperatures. Fuzzy mathematics was used to evaluate the sensory senses of different storage stages at 2, 5, 15 and 25 °C, and the storage end-time was determined to be 35, 25, 15 and 10 days, respectively. All indices followed zero-order reaction kinetics (ΣR02 > ΣR12) and kinetic parameters k, A and Ea were calculated. Combined with the Arrhenius equation, a kinetic model was established based on key indices. The mean relative errors (MRE) of the key indices and shelf-lifeAll (SLAll) were less than 10% when comparing predicted and measured values. The weight of each index was determined using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and a consistency test was conducted. Samples at 20 °C were selected to verify the model. The shelf life of CJ No.1 from 2 to 25 °C can be predicted according to the weighted model. The results of this study can help distributors and consumers determine the best time to eat A. arguta and the appropriate storage time. The ideas and methods of this study can also be promoted and applied to other fruit and vegetables to achieve a wider temperature range and a method of prediction of their shelf lives.

Comparative Analysis of the Characteristics of Two Hardy Kiwifruit Cultivars (Actinidia arguta cv. Cheongsan and Daebo) Stored at Low Temperatures.

A cold storage system is useful for maintaining the quality of hardy kiwifruit. However, extended cold storage periods inevitably result in cold stress, leading to lower fruit marketability; the severity of chilling injury depends on fruit types and cultivars. In this study, the impact of cold storage conditions on the physicochemical properties and antioxidant capacity of two phenotypically different hardy kiwifruit cultivars-'Cheongsan' (large type) and 'Daebo' (small type)-stored at low (L; 3 °C, relative humidity [RH]; 85-90%) and moderate-low (ML; 5 °C, RH; 85-90%) temperatures was determined. Significant differences in fruit firmness and titratable acidity between treatments L and ML were observed in both cultivars during the experimental storage period. Meanwhile, the browning and pitting rates of the 'Cheongsan' fruits in treatment L increased for 8 weeks compared with those of the 'Daebo' fruits in treatments L and ML; nonetheless, fruit decay was observed in the 'Daebo' fruits in treatment ML after 6 weeks. The total chlorophyll, carotenoid, flavonoid, and ascorbic acid concentrations as well as the antioxidant activities of both the cultivars significantly differed between treatments L and ML. After 2 weeks of storage, the 'Cheongsan' fruits in treatment L had lower antioxidant activities and ascorbic acid content than those in treatment ML. These results demonstrate that the quality attributes and antioxidant activity of hardy kiwifruit are influenced by the low-temperature storage conditions and the specific kiwifruit cultivars. Our findings suggest that optimal cold storage conditions, specific to each hardy kiwifruit cultivar, promise to maintain fruit quality, including their health-promoting compounds, during long-term storage.

Physiological disorders in cold-stored ‘Autumn Sense’ hardy kiwifruit depend on the storage temperature and the modulation of targeted metabolites

This study aimed to elucidate the effects of storage temperature on various fruit quality attributes, physiological disorders, and associated metabolites in the 0.5, 3, or 10 °C stored hardy kiwifruit. Peel pitting, which was highest in the 0.5 °C stored fruit, was identified as a chilling injury symptom of hardy kiwifruit. Proline and branched-chain amino acid contents showed higher values at 0.5 °C stored fruit as chilling responses. On the other hand, fruit shriveling and decay were highest in the 10 °C after 5 weeks of storage. The 10 °C storage induced fruit ripening during 3 weeks, but fruit shriveling and decay were severe after 5 weeks of storage. Therefore, storing the ‘Autumn Sense’ hardy kiwifruit at proper temperatures would be more beneficial, as it alters targeted metabolites and helps reduce the incidence of physiological disorders during cold storage.

QTL mapping of fruit quality traits in tetraploid kiwiberry (Actinidia arguta)

Fruit quality traits play an important role in consumption of kiwiberry (Actinidia arguta). The genetic basis of fruit quality traits in this woody, perennial and dioecious fruit crop remains largely unknown. This study aimed to identify the underlying genetic basis of fruit quality traits in A. arguta, using a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genetic linkage map previously developed in a tetraploid F1 population of ‘Ruby-3’ × ‘KuiLv-M’. The F1 population was phenotyped over three years (2020–2022) for fruit quality traits, including skin color, flesh color, fruit weight, fruit diameter, total soluble solids, fruit longitudinal diameter and fruit shape index. A total of nine QTLs were detected for five traits, explaining 10%–32% of the trait variation. For fruit color, the support interval of a major QTL on LG9 contained an MYB transcription factor MYB110, which was previously demonstrated to control color regulation in kiwifruit, thus suggesting that the MYB110 is the candidate gene for fruit color in kiwiberry. The linked marker for fruit color was validated in an F1 population and 25 kiwiberry cultivars. In conclusion, the knowledge obtained through the QTL mapping is applicable to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness in kiwiberry breeding.

Postharvest short-time partial dehydration extends shelf-life and improves the quality of Actinidia arguta during low temperature storage

Actinidia arguta is a type of kiwi fruit with a smooth glabrous shape, which provides high nutritional value, a sweet and sour taste, and excellent healthcare function. However, it is a typical climacteric fruit and decomposes quickly when stored. For delaying senescence, the effect of postharvest short-time partial dehydration (STPD) on the storage quality of A. arguta was investigated under dehydration rates of 2%, 4%, and 6% coupled with storage at (2.0 ± 0.5) °C, respectively. Results showed that appropriate dehydration treatment coupled with low temperature storage inhibited the pectinase activity and the decomposition of propectin, thus maintaining fruit firmness, reducing fruit decay rate, regulating the generation of abscisic acid (ABA) delaying ethylene production, and decreasing the peak level of respiration rate. It also inhibited the reduction of total soluble solid, titratable acid, and vitamin C, maintains catalase and peroxidase activity. Based on the present study, the 4% dehydration treatment was the most effective, which extended the storage period up to 60 days and reduced the decay rate to 33%. In conclusion, it was revealed that STPD could be an effective method for retarding the losses that occurred in the fruit quality of A. arguta during cold storage.

Morphogenesis, megagametogenesis, and microgametogenesis in Actinidia arguta flower buds

In dioecious plants, understanding sexual differentiation is important for improving cultivation techniques. Flower bud morphogenesis and gametophyte formation underlie the mechanism of sexual differentiation. Actinidia arguta (hardy kiwi) is a unisexual plant, and there have been few studies on its flower bud differentiation or gametophyte formation. We studied flower bud morphogenesis and gametophyte formation in A. arguta using paraffin sections and found that the morphogenesis of male and female flower buds was divided into six stages: the undifferentiated stage, inflorescence initials differentiation stage, calyx primordium differentiation stage, petal primordium differentiation stage, stamen primordium differentiation stage, and pistil primordium differentiation stage. Morphogenesis in the male inflorescence can reach quaternary flower primordia, and morphogenesis in the female inflorescence can reach the tertiary flower primordia, however, no Stage 4 lateral flowers in the male inflorescence or Stage 3 lateral flowers in the female inflorescence were found in natural situation. The embryo sac in female plants was a monocellular Polygonum type, and the embryo sac development in male plants was incomplete; abortion occurred before the archesporial cells developed. The male gametophyte differentiation process in the male plant was normal, with pollen grains similar in shape to a rugby ball and arranged neatly in the anther. The pollen grain differentiation in female plants was abnormal; abortion occurred at the uninucleate microspore stage, and mature pollen grains were irregularly spherical.

Foam-Mat Freeze Drying of Kiwiberry (Actinidia arguta) Pulp: Drying Kinetics, Main Properties and Microstructure

The kiwiberry is an interesting source of bioactive compounds (micronutrients, polyphenols vitamins and pectins) and enzyme actinidine but has limited durability. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of shelf temperature (10 °C, 25 °C and 40 °C) during freeze drying on the foam-mat kiwiberry pulp drying process and the quality of the obtained material based on analyses such as moisture content, water activity, hygroscopicity, solubility, microstructure and spectral measurement using the FTIR method. The use of higher shelf temperatures during freeze drying positively influenced the drying process, reducing its duration by up to 40.7%. The shelf temperature caused changes in the dry matter content (97.2–99.6%), water activity (0.159–0.221), structure and hygroscopic properties (1.41–4.41 g water/100 g d.m.) of the kiwiberry foam mats. Foam-mat drying at 40 °C exhibited a significantly lower water activity, total porosity and hygroscopicity, providing properties favorable for good microbiological and functional stability during storage. Furthermore, this temperature applied during freeze drying resulted in an increase in the solubility of the obtained material, which indicates its possible use in the matrix of other food products.

Comparative characterization of volatile organic compounds and aroma profiles in 10 Actinidia arguta cultivars by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS), sensory analysis, and odor activity value (OAV) combined with chemometrics

Actinidia arguta, a widely consumed fruit, is well-known for its distinct flavor. However, there has been a lack of systematic investigation on the differences in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and aroma characteristics among cultivars. In this study, 10 A. arguta cultivars were analyzed for aroma characteristics by GC–MS, sensory analysis, and OAV combined with chemometrics. A total of 52 VOCs were identified, with terpenoids being the most abundant. Based on partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), 12 VOCs were identified as biomarkers for distinguishing cultivars. Furthermore, 28 VOCs were found as aroma-active compounds, contributing fruity, green, floral, sweet, and minty aroma notes to A. arguta. Notably, α-ionone, β-ionone, and β-damascening exhibited high OAVs, making a significant contribution to the floral note. An aroma wheel was developed to represent the overall aroma profile of A. arguta. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for quality evaluation and cultivar breeding of A. arguta.

A structural variation in the promoter of the leucoanthocyanidin reductase gene AaLAR1 enhances freezing tolerance by modulating proanthocyanidin accumulation in kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta).

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) are importantmetabolites that enhance freezing tolerance of plants. Actinidia arguta, especially freezing-tolerant germplasms, accumulate abundant PAs in dormant shoots and thereby enhance freezing tolerance, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. In this study, we used two A. arguta with contrasting cold-resistant phenotypes,KL and RB, to explore the mechanisms in response to cold tolerance. We determined that a leucoanthocyanidin reductase gene (AaLAR1) was more highly expressed in freezing-tolerant KL than in freezing-sensitive RB. Moreover, overexpressing AaLAR1 in kiwifruit promoted PAs biosynthesis and enhanced cold tolerance. The AaLAR1 promoters of various A. arguta germplasms differ due to the presence of a 60-bp deletion in cold-tolerant genotypes that forms a functional binding site for MYC-type transcription factor. Yeast one-hybrid and two-hybrid, dual-luciferase reporter, bimolecular fluorescence complementationand coimmunoprecipitation assays indicated that the AaMYC2a binds to the MYC-core cis-element in the AaLAR1 promoter with the assistance of AaMYB5a, thereby promoting PAs accumulation in the shoots of cold-tolerant kiwifruit. We conclude that the variation in the AaLAR1 promoter and the AaMYC2a-AaMYB5a-AaLAR1 module shape freezing tolerance in A. arguta. The identification of a key structural variation in the AaLAR1 promoter offers a new target for resistance breeding of kiwifruit.

Packaging Container Effects on Fruit Quality Attributes, Mechanical Injury and Physiological Disorders in Hardy Kiwifruit Cultivars under a Simulated Handling System

Packaging Container Effects on Fruit Quality Attributes, Mechanical Injury and Physiological Disorders in Hardy Kiwifruit Cultivars under a Simulated Handling System

Radix Actinidiae chinensis induces the autophagy and apoptosis in renal cell carcinoma cells

BackgroundRenal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a malignant tumor. Radix Actinidiaechinensis (RAC) is the root of Actinidia arguta (Sieb. et Zucc) Planch. ex Miq. In clinical research, RAC was confirmed to have a certain anti-tumor effect, including liver cancer and cholangiocarcinoma. This study investigated the anticancer effect and mechanism of RAC in RCC cells.MethodsThe 786-O and A498 cells were intervened with varying concentrations of RAC (0–100 mg/mL) to detect the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of RAC. The cells were then co-cultured with 0–50 mg/mL RAC for 0–72 h to assess the effect of RAC on cell viability using the cell counting kit-8. The effects on cell proliferation, cell cycle or apoptosis, migration or invasion, and autophagy were detected using cloning, flow cytometry, Transwell, AOPI assay and Western blot. The number of autophagolysosomes was quantified using a transmission electron microscope. PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway-related proteins were detected by Western blot. Additionally, an autophagy inhibitor 3-MA was used to explore the underlying mechanism of RAC.ResultsIC50 values of RAC in 786-O and A498 were 14.76 mg/mL and 13.09 mg/mL, respectively. RAC demonstrated the ability to reduce the cell malignant phenotype of RCC cells, blocked the S phase of cells, promoted apoptosis and autophagy in cells. Furthermore, RAC was observed to increase autophagy-related proteins LC3II/I and Beclin-1, while decreasing the level of P62. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins was increased, while the ratios of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-AKT/AKT, p-mTOR/mTOR, p-P38/P38 and p-ERK/ERK were reduced by RAC. However, the addition of 3-MA reduced the apoptosis and autophagy- promotion effects of RAC on RCC cells.ConclusionRAC induced the apoptosis and autophagy, to inhibit the progression of RCC cells. This study may provide a theoretical and experimental basis for clinical anti-cancer application of RAC for RCC.